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Monday, December 29, 2014

This week we are bringing you another seller from our Markets of Sunshine Etsy team.Designs By Lizzie Lee G is the shop we will share with you today. We hope you enjoy learning about our team members. Please, leave us a comment telling us what you liked about her shop.Lizzie Tell Us How You Got Started Sewing!A lifetime of sewing.......

My shop came to life purely by accident.

I've sewn since I was 10...a lifetime ago, literally. Throughout the years, I've made my own clothes, two of my own wedding dresses, my children's clothes when they were young, sewed race wear and bowling wear at home for a time.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Creating things, making patterns and seeing them turn out, has been a challenge and a thrill for me. Being a crocheter, I love to make a piece of yarn turn into a hat, scarf, or blanket. Recently, I began making little book bags for little girls I know, and they fell in love with them...and from there iPad bags, and now my ministry totes. I also worked part time in a little shop that sells recycled and upcycled items, so it only seemed natural to make aprons, totes and iPad bags from recycled items. Some of those are featured in my shop.

What motivated you to open your Etsy shop?

In May I was urged to open an etsy shop and I thought "why not?" It might or might not work-- because I am not a marketer. So I did. I didn't sell anything for the first couple months; I had poor inventory and bad tags. But when my shop was looked over by a dear friend, I was encouraged to change a few things. When I did, I got one sale in July. Since then--and now it is mid-December--I've had 60-70 sales (including craft fairs and at-home purchases)!!!

How do you get your creative ideas?

My mind is always alert to interesting ideas. I have a love of art. I love to paint...murals are my big joy, and I have painted several of them. I love drawing in pencil. Both of these have occupied a big part of my creative life over the post 12 years, so it has been a great surprise that sewing re-entered my life again, and that has been the bulk of my sales.

It is my hope to create more items, but to focus on a couple new ideas that many other folks can't live without.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

We are so excited here at Markets of Sunshine to introduce you to our featured seller. Do you love to dress up your pet? It doesn't matter what kind of animal you own big or small you can dress it up in adorable pet outfits. Our featured seller this week is Sally Mollin of Bloomingtails Dog Duds. She lives in sunny Florida. She specializes in pet outfits for any small breed of animal. So, even if you want to dress up your cat, rabbit, guinea pig or dog she can do it to your specifications!Here is a little bit about Sally so you can get to know her and her work better.What motivated you to open your Etsy shop?
I'm a dog lover, and since I've designed and sewn clothing for my female Pomeranian, Dominique (a.k.a. Dom the Pom), who is the fashion model for my Etsy shop. Friends liked the clothes so much they advised me to sell them, so I opened my Etsy shop in December 2011.What inspired you to select the designs you make? Since many small dog owners tend to think of their dogs as being like little people (our "furbabies"), I enjoy basing my styles on people's clothing, such as my Executive Dress Shirt & Tie.

Do You Accept Custom Orders?I enjoy dealing with people and enjoy the challenge of custom orders to fit small dogs and cats, for which I do meticulous measuring to make sure the garment will fit your pet. I also work hard at communicating with each buyer to make sure he or she will be happy with his or her purchase, and prior to shipping completed custom garments I send photos of them to the buyers for approval.

How Do You Treat Your Customer's?
My motto is: my greatest satisfaction is a satisfied buyer. Please feel free to check out my Reviews for proof.My satisfied buyers are entitled to a 10% discount on each purchase, and their friends, relatives and coworkers referred to my shop can receive a 5% discount on each purchase.Can You Show Us a Sample of Your Work?Sailor Coat Can be made in X-Small, Small or Medium SizesSign-Up For Our Weekly Newsletter Here!

Saturday, December 13, 2014

My latest fascination is Downton Abbey themed tea parties. I found out that Cost Plus World Market has partnered with the promoters of Downton Abbey and are now selling tea themed products in their stores. I was able to get a free tea cup and tote bag with a small purchase a few weeks ago. I was on top of the world.
My daughter and I were ready for our first Downton Abbey tea party. Here I am with my table all set with a few of the shows products and tea napkins with a quote from Lady Mary. No tea party would be complete without tea, scones and of course lemon curd!

Do you enjoy a good cup of tea? What about getting together with friends and family to have a themed tea party? When was the last time you dressed up for a party other than for a birthday or holiday? I personally love to host tea parties! They are my favorite occasion to get together with family and friends and sit around talking and laughing while sipping hot or cold tea and enjoying the delicious homemade goodies.

Well, in 2015 Markets of Sunshine will be hosting themed tea parties! You can book a home or office tea party with us. We will offer handmade products from our vendors for you to give as party favors or use to decorate table displays and place settings. Shop local and buy handmade! Sign-up on our Calendar of Events page

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Oh, the power of relaxation! There are tons of books you can read that will give you endless tips on ways you can relax. I think the first step in relaxing is wanting to relax. When, I hear people say they are too busy to relax that is just crazy talk. Everyone, has time to relax if they really want to.Think about it this way. Do you smoke? Do you drink soda? Do you love eating out? Don't you go out of your way to do the things you are addicted to? Well, relaxing can be just like those things only better!If you stop smoking you will save your health. If you stop drinking soda you will save your health. If you stop eating out not only will you save your health you will save money too. Not relaxing is in the same category as anything else that shortens your lifespan. It is true!I have reflected on my family and the ones who were home bodies lived the longest. They worked hard but when they got off work they came straight home. Maybe, the stopped at the grocery store on the way to pick up that gallon of butter pecan ice cream, coffee, eggs, bread and milk but that was it. They didn't smoke or drink soda either. So, what do I do to relax? And, how do I spend my free time when I am not managing my Etsy shop and networking on social media? Well, I'll tell you if you pull up a chair and pour yourself a cup of tea.

Peach and Yellow Rose

My favorite thing to do is sit and look at my garden. Watch the wind blow the leaves on trees and look up at the sky while taking walks with my dear husband and soul mate.

I love feeling the warm sun on my body and how it drinks it in like a warm shower.

Another, way I spend my free time is reading the bible and bible study aids. If you have a hard time understanding the bible here are a few tips that will help you learn it's life saving message.

I use a wonderful bible research website to help me understand the scriptures. It is www.jw.org and there are so many amazing articles written that answer that question.

Here is one of those I was reading today that will help you too. click here

Each time you read and learn more about God's purpose for the earth and why we are here you will be planting seeds of wisdom in your heart and mind. Just like a garden, you need to water those seeds by regularly taking in knowledge from the bible daily. I offer Free bible study lessons to anyone that wants to learn and understand the bible better. If you are one of those who has always had unanswered questions, please email me and I would be happy to assist you. Contact me at easybiblelessonsonline@gmail.comI'll clue you in on a secret, the earth is not going to be destroyed. Read this article on Will the Earth Survive, click here. And there is no place of fiery torment. Church's started using that to scare people into submission. God is love. He is not a cruel unkind God. Read the truth about Hell, click here. I know you've been taught the opposite by your church. But, learn what the bible really teaches on these and other common teachings right from your own bible and using www.jw.orgComing in 2015Markets of Sunshine will be opening their very own store with only products from seller's on Etsy! Wahoo! To be a part of this new venture here is a list of requirements:

Sell on Etsy with consistent positive feedback

Join the Markets of Sunshine Vendor Team

Send in a minimum of 50 products each season (spring, summer, fall and winter)

Pay a monthly vendor fee of $35

Pay 30% commission when an item sells

Network with Markets of Sunshine on social media to promote the store and your products

Swag Bag Vendors:We are taking vendors for our swag bags to promote your business using free samples with your business information or an actual product you make. Fees are listed on our Advertise With Us page, click here.Send an email to marketsofsunshineusa@gmail.com with your request for more information about our services and events.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

If you are a fan of Nancy Drew vintage book collection, you may not have known that there was fabric available with several designs and images of this classic mystery series. Well, the fabric is now retired and no longer in production. If you find someone selling the left over of the lot it is double and triple the original price.

I am happy that I bought several designs back when it first came available. The panels will be used on the tote bags and pillow cases. But, I am trying to come up with what I could use the other fabric designs for. I was thinking of pen cases. I have one that holds 5 pens and rolls up and fits nicely in my purse or just sitting on the end table by my couch.I also thought of making headbands and including one with any of my Nancy Drew hollow book orders. I recently, had my first sale from a lady in Alaska and she got one of these headbands as a free gift.I am patiently waiting for her feedback to see if she even acknowledges the gift and if she liked it and will use it. The suspense is killing me! (pun intended) hehe!Markets of Sunshine does more than just make handmade gifts. We also market other products for seller's all over the U.S.A. To have your products promoted by us, feel free to drop us a note.Our featured vendor is Bloomingtails Dog Duds. Visit her shop and see what else you can find on our vendor classified page.Swag Bag Vendors:We are taking vendors for our swag bags to promote your business using free samples with your business information or an actual product you make. Fees are listed on our Advertise With Us page, click here.Send an email to marketsofsunshineusa@gmail.com with your request for more information about our services and events.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

For the last two months Markets of Sunshine has joined the Food Truck Bazaar event in Orange City, FL the first Sunday of the month. It is organized by a small business owner in Seminole County. We are moving on to support a local business in West Volusia where we live. Our goal has been to help the small local business owner's in our community to grow their customer base. While at the same time spreading the word about our eco-friendly family friendly handmade products as well as educational children's products that we promote and sell at the events.

We found a local business in Lake Helen, FL, 3 Sister's Ice Cream Palace that is hosting a monthly music event the 3rd Saturday of each month. They will be having a craft and music event on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 1:00 -5:30 p.m. The craft event will be showcased from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. and the music by local musician Tammie Johns from 6-8 p.m. We will be setting up a tent and selling at this event.

We hope you will join us and support local small business and buy handmade in your community. Look for the event on Facebook to give your support. Click here.

Vendors WantedSwag Bag Vendors:We are taking vendors for our swag bags to promote your business using free samples with your business information or an actual product you make. Fees are listed on our Advertise With Us page, click here.Send an email to marketsofsunshineusa@gmail.com with your request to be in either of the above events. Products must reach us no later than November 12, 2014. An application will be emailed to you upon approval of your product and company.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Since, I began my vendor event planning business it has become ever more apparent that booth display is a huge part of getting customer's to your booth and interested in your product. So, I have brought together a few of the best ideas I found on the web for your inspiration to help you at your next vendor event.
Looking for the right vendor event for your business is also a huge part of the process. Effective, booth display is key to getting sales.
Here is what I look for when I audition vendors for my events. Customer response, display presentation, communication skills, compliance with my rules, no complaining, no trying to change the way I want things run, paying on time, turning in application and samples on time etc....You can find out more about being a vendor with Markets of Sunshine on my Advertise With Us page, click here.

Via the Crafty Cloud
First, let's start with the basics of what you'll need to have a successful event. Complements of hubpages.com

Booth Set-Up

For Your Comfort

For Sales & Marketing

For Your Products

Table Covers

Comfortable, Appropriate Clothing

Pen & Paper

Labels

Display Stands

Folding Chair (If not supplied)

Card Machine

Prices

Pins

Tissues

Required Licenses

Protective Packaging

String

Drinking Water

Business Cards

Descriptions

Scissors

Food/Snacks

Newsletter Sign-Up Sheet

Contact Details

Table (if not supplied)

Comfortable Shoes

Calculator

Bags

Banner/Wall coverings

Hand wipes

Camera

Mirrors

Storage Boxes

Outerwear (for outdoor shows)

Money Box & Change

Product Inventory

Next, let's talk about using color and common items you might find at a garage sale or thrift shop that you can use as props for a eye catching display. Complements of Pinterest Poofycheeks.com

I hope this has inspired you to take your product display to the next level. From boring to outstanding! We hope you will join us at out next events coming up in November. See our Calendar of events page and follow us on Facebook.

Upcoming EventsNovember 2 - Orange City, FL Marketplace Plaza 5-8 with Food Truck BazaarNovember 8 - Volusia Mall 10-5 with Home & Garden ShowVendors WantedSwag Bag Vendors:We are taking vendors for our swag bags to promote your business using free samples with your business information or an actual product you make. Fees are listed on our Advertise With Us page, click here.Send an email to marketsofsunshineusa@gmail.com with your request to be in either of the above events. Products must reach us no later than October 27, 2014. An application will be emailed to you upon approval of your product and company.